Best Brownsville to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Brownsville to Oakland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,006 mile move from Texas to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 10 Brownsville to Oakland moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Brownsville compared to Oakland. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Brownsville to Oakland Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2Fairprice Movers8.879.12Authorized For HHGContact
3Jones Moving & Storage Company6.561.79Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Brownsville to Oakland

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,006 miles from Brownsville, TX to Oakland, CA will cost on average $3,487 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Brownsville to Oakland move is roughly $8,414. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,340300 ft³7.80
1 Bedroom$3,487450 ft³7.75
2 Bedrooms$5,774750 ft³7.70
3 Bedrooms$8,4141100 ft³7.65
4 Bedrooms$12,1591600 ft³7.60
5+ Bedrooms$13,5881800 ft³7.55
*Please note: These Texas to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Texas & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed TX to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Brownsville guide.

Compare the 3 Best Brownsville to Oakland Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Fairprice Movers Logo

Fairprice Movers

Superb8.87/10
based on 325+ data points

Berkeley, CA, 94720

About Fairprice Movers

Established in 2012, Fairprice Movers is a moving company headquartered in San Jose, California. The company offers a highly personalized moving...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial and Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2192738 / 768242

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved89,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Jones Moving & Storage Company Logo

Jones Moving & Storage Company

6.56/10
based on 85+ data points

2404 Wilson Rd

Harlingen, TX, 78552

About Jones Moving & Storage Company

Jones Moving & Storage is your local Rio Grande Valley Mayflower agent. Founded in 1922, this company has been a part...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • International Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/24/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

136532 / 9287 MC-136592

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans18
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved42,552 (2014)
View Full Review
3
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

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  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Brownsville vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can feel like venturing into the unknown, but familiarizing yourself with your new city through the lens of your current home can make the transition smoother. This guide offers a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Brownsville, TX & Oakland, CA , aligning you with a similar community vibe, amenities, and culture in Oakland that resonates with your Brownsville neighborhood experience.

BrownsvilleOaklandHow They're Similar
Rancho ViejoMontclairRolling hills, suburban feel
Palo AltoRockridgeLively, accessible commercial districts
Los FresnosFruitvaleRich cultural heritage, vibrant community
Paseo de la ResacaLake MerrittScenic views, community centric
Villa del SolGlenviewFamily-friendly, quiet residential area
El Valle de los EscondidosPiedmontAffluent, with grand historic homes
La PalomaRedwood HeightsLush landscapes, secluded feel
Resaca CityTrestle GlenCharming architecture, tucked-away ambiance
HarlingenTemescalHip, with a growing food scene
Port IsabelJack London SquareWaterfront dining, entertainment

For those moving from Palo Alto in Brownsville to Oakland, Rockridge offers a comparable charm with its lively streets lined with unique shops and cafes such as College Avenue, promising a suburban feel within an urban setting. Similarly, if the waterfront and vibrant lifestyle of Port Isabel captured your heart, Jack London Square in Oakland will enchant you with its wealth of dining options, including the renowned Waterfront Restaurants, and a calendar full of waterfront festivities. Los Fresnos residents will find the colorful spirit and rich cultural tapestry of Fruitvale a refreshing continuation of community-centric living, where annual festivals at Fruitvale Village keep the neighborhood buzzing with energy and unity. This guide ensures that your move is not just a change of address, but a continuation of the lifestyle and community you cherish.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Brownsville to Oakland

Moving from one city to another brings a mix of opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to present an honest reflection of the good and the bad aspects of relocating from Brownsville, TX to Oakland, CA . By evaluating the pros and cons, you’ll be better prepared for the changes awaiting you.

CONs
PROs
Brownsville, TX iconBrownsville, TX
  • Hotter summers
  • Lower cultural diversity
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Minimal public transport
  • Less dining variety
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Temperate climate
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Expanding job market
  • Extensive public transport
  • World-class cuisine
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Smaller spaces
  • Urban noise
  • Less green space
  • More impersonal
Brownsville, TX iconBrownsville, TX
  • Lower cost of living
  • Spacious living
  • Quiet neighborhoods
  • Abundant natural beauty
  • Close-knit community

Moving from Brownsville to Oakland introduces you to a temperate climate conducive to outdoor activities year-round. Imagine strolling through Lake Merritt on a sunny afternoon or discovering diverse cuisines in Downtown Oakland. While Oakland boasts an expanding job market in technology and healthcare, it's also important to prepare for the city's higher living expenses. Neighborhoods like Rockridge and Temescal offer vibrant community events, unique restaurants like Comal for an unforgettable dining experience, and bustling farmers' markets that highlight the city’s dedication to sustainability and community. Embracing these changes can make your transition from Brownsville to Oakland not just a move but a step towards an enriching lifestyle.

Brownsville vs. Oakland Food Guide

Food is an integral part of local culture, giving you a taste of what life is like in an area. In this guide, we compare the local cuisine between Brownsville & Oakland to help you get familiar with the food scene in your new hometown.

BrownsvilleOakland
Most iconic local food itemBarbacoaCalifornia Roll
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaSourdough Chicken Sandwich
Most popular street food itemTacosFood Truck Sushi
Most popular vegan foodElote (without cheese)Vegan Burrito
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
    • Vernon's
    • Pizza Night
    • Trucha Door
    • Shinmai
    • Brown Sugar Kitchen
    • The Town Kitchen
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Oakland, you'll find yourself amidst a vibrant foodie culture that embraces both innovation and tradition. Neighborhoods like Temescal are renowned for their trendy eateries and food trucks, offering everything from gourmet California Rolls to vegan burritos that even non-vegans rave about. Brown Sugar Kitchen, a standout for soul food, and Shinmai, known for its modern Japanese cuisine, reflect Oakland's diverse culinary landscape. Whether you're exploring the abundance of food trucks or sitting down in one of the city’s top restaurants, Oakland promises a rich, health-conscious, and inclusive dining experience that caters to every palate.

Brownsville vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort through cuisine is essential when relocating, and ensuring that your new location feels like home is paramount. This restaurant comparison utilizing Brownsville and Oakland aims to segue your culinary favorites smoothly from one city to the other. Discover your next go-to dining spots by navigating through familiar tastes and atmospheres.

BrownsvilleOaklandWhat You'll Love
Vermillion Restaurant & Watering HolePlum Bar + RestaurantBoth offer American classics with a twist.
El Ultimo TacoCasa Latina BakeryServing up traditional Latin American eats.
La PampaGaumenkitzelSimilar approach to quality meats and grilling techniques.
Dirty Al'sRockin' CrawfishA go-to for seafood lovers seeking that spicy kick.
Half Moon SaloonMadrone Art BarBoth have a relaxed vibe with quality drinks and live music.
Los CamperosCactus TaqueriaAuthentic Mexican cuisine that shares the same heart.
Kobas RestaurantChampa GardenOffering unique Asian dishes with a home-cooked feel.
The VermillionFentons CreameryIconic spots for comfort food and sweet treats.
Brownsville Coffee Shop No. 2Timeless CoffeeBoth are beloved for their cozy ambiance and quality brews.
Mi Pueblito RestaurantTaqueria SinaloaCapture the essence of traditional dishes and flavors.

If you're transitioning from the hearty, comfort dishes of Brownsville's Vermillion Restaurant & Watering Hole to seeking a similar refuge in Oakland, Plum Bar + Restaurant will embrace you with its innovative American cuisine. For those enchanted by the authentic Mexican flavors at El Ultimo Taco, Casa Latina Bakery in Oakland will offer you a sense of familiarity with its traditional Latin American eats. Meanwhile, seafood enthusiasts moving from the shores near Dirty Al's will find solace in the spicy offerings of Rockin' Crawfish. Each Oakland equivalent doesn't just replicate what you cherished in Brownsville; they invite you to explore and add new favorites to your culinary repertoire, grounded in the recognition of tastes and experiences you've come to love.

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Brownsville vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate dramatically shapes your living experience when relocating. Understanding how Brownsville and Oakland stack up in terms of housing costs, architecture, walkability, and urban lifestyle is crucial. This comparison aims to illuminate these differences to aid in your decision-making.

ComparisonBrownsvilleOakland
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, Spanish colonialVictorian, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, proximity to the borderClose to public transit, vibrant community

While the median home price in Oakland far exceeds that of Brownsville, this higher cost comes with perks, including superior walkability and a more dynamic urban lifestyle, scoring Oakland an 8 out of 10. Oakland’s rich architectural diversity, featuring Victorian and Modern styles, contrasts sharply with Brownsville's Ranch and Spanish colonial influences. Commuters in Oakland benefit greatly from its proximity to public transit options, making it more accommodating to a car-free lifestyle. Brownsville, on the other hand, offers spacious living with its listings frequently highlighting large yards, a feature less common in Oakland's dense, urban setting.

Brownsville vs. Oakland Weather Considerations

When planning a move, understanding how the weather in Brownsville compares to weather in Oakland is essential. This comparison will help you adjust to your new climate more easily.

Summer icon
94°F / 75°F

Brownsville, TX

75°F / 57°F

Oakland, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
70°F / 52°F

Brownsville, TX

58°F / 44°F

Oakland, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
27.4"

Brownsville, TX

23.5"

Oakland, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Brownsville, TX

0

Oakland, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonBrownsvilleOakland
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, floodsEarthquakes, wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Transitioning from the warm, humid climate of Brownsville to the cooler, Mediterranean environment of Oakland can be quite a change. The significant drop in summer temperatures and increase in sunshine days in Oakland can be a pleasant surprise, offering more comfortable conditions for year-round outdoor activities. However, it's important to be prepared for Oakland's natural disaster risks, including earthquakes and wildfires, which differ significantly from Brownsville's hurricane and flood threats. Being aware of these differences will help you adjust more smoothly to your new home.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Brownsville to Oakland

Moving from one city to another greatly affects your finances. It's important to know how the cost of living in Brownsville compares to Oakland, especially when it comes to housing, taxes, and income. This comparison will help you understand the financial adjustments you'll need to make.

ComparisonBrownsvilleOakland
Avg. Household Income$47,435$82,236
Cost of Living Index85.8139.1
State Income Tax0%9.3%
Avg. Property Tax2.18%0.79%
Avg. Sales Tax8.25%9.25%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health services, TradeTechnology, Healthcare, Wholesale Trade
AffluenceLowerHigher
PovertyHigherLower
HomelessnessLowerHigher

When moving from Brownsville to Oakland, you'll face a dramatic increase in the cost of living, primarily due to housing and state income tax differences. Although Oakland boasts a significantly higher average household income, this is somewhat offset by the city's considerably higher living expenses. The stark contrast in the cost of living index clearly illustrates this. Additionally, Oakland's thriving technology and healthcare industries offer lucrative opportunities, yet the city also struggles with high homelessness rates, which could affect community services and infrastructure. Understanding these financial dynamics is crucial for a smooth transition.

Brownsville vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison

When preparing for a move from Brownsville, TX, to Oakland, CA, understanding the local cultures you're transitioning between can be incredibly insightful. This comparison aims to give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, focusing on the politics between Brownsville & Oakland and their religious landscapes. Let's dive into the specifics.

BrownsvilleOakland
Political Make-upPrimarily DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsFocus on border and economic development issuesEmphasizes social justice and environmental concerns
ReligionMajority Catholic, with significant Protestant and non-religious minoritiesDiverse, with a mix of Protestants, Catholics, Buddhists, Muslims, and non-religious residents

In transitioning from Brownsville to Oakland, you're moving between two cities with Democratic leanings, but the local political landscape and issues at the forefront differ significantly. Brownsville's politics often revolve around border-related and economic development concerns, reflective of its position in the Rio Grande Valley and its relationship with Mexico. In contrast, Oakland's political scene is deeply engaged in social justice, equity, and environmental sustainability, consistent with its history of activism and progressive movements. When it comes to religion, both cities showcase America's religious diversity, yet Oakland presents an even broader spectrum, including larger communities of non-religious individuals and people practicing faiths outside of Christianity. This reflects not only the different historical and cultural influences that have shaped each city but also the distinct social environments you'll encounter in your new home.

Brownsville vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When considering a move from Brownsville, TX to Oakland, CA, it’s crucial to understand the differences in the daily commute and traffic scenarios between these two cities. This comparison aims to provide insights into what to expect, helping you navigate through your new environment with ease.

ComparisonBrownsvilleOakland
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2232
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?NoYes

While Brownsville offers a rather relaxed commute with lower average commute times and minimal traffic congestion, Oakland presents a different scenario. Oakland's higher traffic congestion rating underscores the urban density and busier roads you'll likely navigate. However, the silver lining in Oakland is the notably better public transit system, rated significantly higher than Brownsville's. This system not only supports a more sustainable lifestyle but also means that you can indeed get by without a car – a fact that might significantly alter your daily living expenses and mobility options in the city. Understanding these differences will allow you to better plan and adapt to your new surroundings, making the transition as smooth as possible.

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